UKHRUL, SEP 26: A one-day consultation organised by Mission Ukhrul has adopted the “Ukhrul Declaration”, calling for a major development and governance push in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, including upgrading an alternative road to a State Highway, establishing central institutions, opening three land ports and making Ukhrul the “Summer Capital”.
The declaration was adopted on September 26 at the TTA Smart Hall, Ukhrul, following a marathon consultation on the theme “Rejuvenation of the Tangkhul Naga Hills.” It placed quality education, entrepreneurship and women empowerment at the centre of its proposed roadmap, while calling for greater investment in youth skills, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital.
ALSO READ Naga People’s Org announces 12-hour shutdown in Senapati over Kalenjang killings
A key demand of the declaration is the upgrading of the Ramva–Nongdam road via Shokvao, Lungphu, Shingta, Marou, Shingkap and Tangkhul Hundung into a State Highway. The route, presently a single-lane PMGSY road, was identified as a potential alternative lifeline for Ukhrul and Kamjong, with the declaration calling for it to be developed to at least an intermediate-standard width.
The declaration also called for the establishment of a Central Hill University and a medical college in Ukhrul, along with improved connectivity, reliable water supply, rainwater harvesting and uninterrupted power supply.
On the economic front, it called for mechanisation of agriculture, cultivation of indigenous medicinal herbs and promotion of commercial floriculture, particularly cut flowers for larger markets and exports. It stressed the need for specialisation across the agricultural value chain, including cultivation, marketing, packaging and transportation.
The declaration further proposed land ports at Pilong, Choro-Kaka and Tusom-Somra, potentially opening new avenues for connectivity and economic activity in the region.
The declaration also ventured into electoral and governance reforms, calling for “clean elections” and urging people not to sell their votes.
It called for a reform of the prevailing money culture surrounding elections and urged an end to what it termed the “donation culture”. It also advocated governance based on meritocracy, transparency and accountability.
The document called for a change in mindset and attitude, while urging Tangkhul people to recognise their human potential as a key resource for rejuvenating the region.
To follow up on the recommendations, Mission Ukhrul proposed setting up a mobile control room with at least 20 volunteers to receive public inputs, feedback and suggestions and work towards finding solutions to issues raised.
The declaration also called for safeguarding Tangkhul land and strengthening Tangkhul identity, including the revival and promotion of traditional values, ethics, ethos and material culture such as kashan, kachon, ornaments and jewellery.
The consultation brought together six resource persons from different professional and generational backgrounds — Dr Ringkahao Horam, principal, Pettigrew College; Thingreiphy LW, president, Tangkhul Shanao Long; Makrey Ninghor Hongray, retired lecturer; Thotreiwon Kapai, former president, NPF Division (Women Wing); Kashing Shingnaisui, young professional, MSME DFO, Imphal, Ministry of MSME, Government of India; and Dr Ranreiphi Kharei, general secretary, NPF Division, Ukhrul.
FEATURES Carrying Home in Her Body: Ringwon T. Ngahor’s Journey from Ukhrul to Venice
The declaration finally proposed making Ukhrul the “Summer Capital”, describing the town as the “mirror of Tangkhul country”.
Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah delivered the concluding remarks before an interactive discussion, following which the recommendations were adopted as the Ukhrul Declaration.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information provided to Ukhrul Times by sources present at the event. The information has been reproduced for editorial consideration and has not been independently verified by Ukhrul Times.
